Road rage in Amreli turns communal, one killed

A minor accident escalated into a communal clash in Amreli on Friday, leading to the death of a young man and serious injuries to another person.

According to police, the incident occurred in the morning when Haresh Sukhadiya’s car accidently hit a pedestrian belonging to the Muslim community near Rupam Cinema. A mob got into a scuffle with Sukhadiya, who somehow managed to leave the area.

After some time, the car owner returned with people of his community, all carrying sharp weapons. The two groups fought for a while. A bullet fired by Sukhadiya’s associate Hasmukh Dudhat from his private revolver hit Habib Qureshi, 32, who was standing at a nearby shop.

“Qureshi died as the bullet wound was deep in his chest while Sukhadiya also suffered serious injuries as he was stabbed by some unidentified people,” the police said. 

Timely action by the police brought the situation under control. “Heavy deployment has been made in the city, especially the affected area. We have engaged community leaders from both sides to maintain peace and calm,” said Shobha Bhutda, district superintendent of police.

The violence brought Amreli to a standstill as shopkeepers downed shutters and most other commercial establishments also remained closed. “We have also started night patrolling and called for two companies from State Reserve Police Force. Situation is calm but tense. Shops in some areas reopened in the evening,” Bhutda added.

Meanwhile, the police have charged five persons for murder and rioting. “We have registered cases against Hasmukh Dudhat, Arvind Borda, Ashok Jogani, Gunvant Savaliya and Haresh Sukhadiya,” the DSP said. Incidentally, Borda is former president of BJP’s Amreli city unit.